Are Chickens Allowed in Long Beach, California?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — backyard chickens are generally allowed in Long Beach, CA, but there are several regulations you’ll need to follow. Whether you want just a few hens or a larger flock, things like how many chickens, where they’re kept, permitting, and coop setup all matter.

What the Long Beach Municipal Code Says

The rules around chickens (non-crowing fowl) are covered under Long Beach’s Municipal Code, Chapter 6.20 “Fowl, Rabbits, and Goats.” Key points are:

  • You may keep up to 20 live fowl (chickens and similar) on a lot or parcel of land.
  • If you have 5 or more chickens, you need a permit from the Animal Care Services Bureau, and a pre-inspection is required.
  • Roosters (crowing fowl) are prohibited.
  • The coop and pen enclosures must be kept clean and sanitary, with manure and debris removed regularly, and must prevent escape of chickens.
  • Fowl or associated structures (coops) cannot be placed in the front yard of a property. They’re only allowed in other parts of the lot.

Distance & Setback Requirements

Where you place your coop matters. The rules define minimum distances from other dwellings based on how many chickens you have, as well as general dwelling-to-dwelling spacing:

  • If you have 1-4 chickens, the coop must be at least 10 feet from any adjacent dwelling.
  • If you have 5-10 chickens, the required distance increases to 35 feet from neighboring dwellings.
  • If you have 11-20 chickens, the coop must be at least 50 feet away.
  • For general fowl, there are also rules that they must be 50 feet from single- or two-family dwellings, and 100 feet from hotels or multi-family dwellings, unless special exemptions apply.

Permits, Limits, & Other Restrictions

  • You only need a permit if you keep five or more chickens. Flocks smaller than that don’t require one.
  • All coops/enclosures must meet minimum size per bird, allow natural posture (height), be predator-proof, and allow access to sunlight, shelter, and shade.
  • No crowing fowl — i.e. roosters are banned.
  • Fowl must be kept in rear or side yards — not the front. Structures cannot be placed or kept in the front yard.
  • Cleanliness is required: enclosures must be maintained, manure (waste) removed, food and water properly kept, so as not to cause nuisances or attract pests.

Things That Can Be Tricky / Common Issues

  • Even though up to 20 fowl are allowed, some setback requirements make it hard on small lots to comply for higher numbers of chickens. Meeting 50 feet or more distance from neighbor dwellings may be impossible in dense urban neighborhoods.
  • Pre-inspection for permits means your coop design and location will get evaluated; violating distance or sanitary rules can get your permit denied or revoked.
  • Neighbors complaining about noise, smell, or birds flying out can trigger enforcement, especially if rules aren’t followed. Even when roosters are banned, hens can still cause issues if coops are poorly maintained.

Summary: What You Must Do If You Want Chickens in Long Beach

  • Decide how many chickens you want. If fewer than 5, easier; 5-20, you’ll need a permit.
  • Check your coop location: needs to meet the setback rules (10, 35, 50 feet depending on flock size). Rear yard placement is required; front yard is not allowed.
  • Design a coop that’s large enough, secure, sanitary, and safe from predators. Ensure enough space per bird.
  • Avoid having roosters; they’re not permitted.
  • If required, get a permit from the Animal Care Services Bureau and pass the pre-inspection. Pay any fees if applicable.

Conclusion

Chickens are allowed in Long Beach, CA, under Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 — especially non-crowing chickens (hens). The City places limits (up to 20 fowl), requires permits if you have 5 or more, prohibits roosters, and has specific rules about how far coops must be from other people’s homes, as well as rules about cleanliness and coop placement.

If you like, I can pull up the full municipal code section as of 2025 for your address, so you can see exactly what applies where you live in Long Beach. Would you want that?